I didn't really plan for this one, it is more of an almost-continuation of the last chapter. In this context the group has headed from Lothering and gone their separate ways before meeting on the outskirts of Redcliffe (Aeden, Morrigan, Leliana and Dog went to Warden's Keep, where Sophia Dryden is, and then recruited Zevran on the road back. Alice and her group took on the werewolves in the Dalish questline).
I think that is all the non-important context required… Any questions, drop a comment and I'll amend/ edit as required. Anyways, enjoy…
Disclaimer: I own none of this, all names and references belong to Bioware and EA.
Alice Cousland sat by the camp fire assessing the progress the group had made. Alistair, Zevran, Sten and herself had just made it back from the Brecilian forests a few hours ago, only to find Aeden and the rest of the group happily camped out with a report of their successes at the Warden's Keep. Tales of werewolves, blood mages and demons were shared between the parties as everyone ate and recouped their strength before their walk to Redcliffe village the following day.
The evening had turned into night and now everyone who could sleep did so, everyone who couldn't just kept themselves occupied until they could. Alice thought back to the two young elves she had met at the Dalish camp. The two had been so in love that it had melted her heart, reminding her of a couple she knew growing up. A ghost of a relationship that she often dwelt on when she saw love like she had today. Memories of her childhood and her family drifted back to her now as she sat watching the embers flicker.
Alice and Fergus often shared humoured glances throughout their childhood, often at their younger brother's expense. Fergus was very protective of the twins however that wouldn't stop him playing 'the older brother' role every now and then. This particular moment the Cousland family were attending a soiree held by the Arl of West Hills, Gallagher Wolff, and the two older siblings had noticed their younger brother slipping out the back of the room. This would have been normal teenage behaviour, often the noble's children were known to sneak away from 'tedious' small talk of the decades gone by. The thing that made the elder Couslands share a look of joint amusement was that Aeden had been swiftly followed by Anora Mac Tir, who was blushing scarlet as she too slipped behind the back curtains.
Alice and Fergus had been left to cover for the absent duo, being hounded by questions from their parents, Anora's and other nobles making attempted conversation. It had been awkward to say the least but this moment had clearly left an impact in her mind…
Alice stared across to where her brother slept. His bed roll was placed next to the fire, his head able to rest against his rucksack. Aeden had a troubled expression plastered across his face, brows knitted and mouth curled, as whatever he dreamt about plagued his mind. Alice had half a mind to wake him, to help him out of the nightmare he was currently trapped in, but despite herself she knew he needed rest. Even if it was a disturbed night of it.
Around the campsite the rest of the group was engaged in various activities. Alistair was asleep too, the grin etched on his face was a pleasant contrast from Aeden's. At least someone was having a pleasant dream, whatever it may be of. Alice had an inclination, especially if the looks the man had been giving her were anything to read in to. An embarrassing grin spread across her face and her cheeks suddenly felt warm.
Alice shook her head and collected her thoughts, focussing instead on the others around the camp site. Sten had taken himself off to collect more firewood, but Alice could see the path he had created through a nearby bush. Leliana was stood with Zevran, both showing off various tricks with their blades that the other tried to mimic. Alice had to laugh at the way they barbed and bickered, it reminded her of her own parents. On the other side of the camp, towards the outskirts, where another fire was located alongside a tent. Morrigan claimed she liked to keep to herself, but Alice knew better. Or she thought she did if the raven that hopped around where Aeden slept was anything to go by. Maybe, just maybe, something might happen there too. She hoped so, Aeden certainly deserved some happiness after everything that he'd been through. Alice smiled and looked across at Alistair. Maybe I do too…
Author's Notes: I figured that if there were two Warden heroes then they'd probably split up and cover more ground. So I divided up the story quests and the support characters between the Warden twins.
Haven't decided which chapter will be next but I think it will be another set during Origins (I have a list of ideas that I'm working through).
Thanks for reading…
K.B. xx